PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development can be defined as a process that does not sacrifice long-term environmental quality for short-term benefits and that preserves resources and the environment for future generations. Sustainable development involves a better integration of the environment and the economy on an ongoing basis. It does not imply total preservation or non-development, but requires that decisions made by Council, industry, and individuals consider all biological, social, and economic consequences (the triple bottom line).

Smart Growth

The District of Ucluelet can influence and control the nature and pace of growth within the municipality. It is important for the community to maintain its sense of place and character, while allowing for development to occur on a manageable basis.

One of the strategies Ucluelet supports for sustainable development is the use of Smart Growth policies, which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Undertaking development in a compact fashion;
• Supporting mixed use development;
• Promoting Alternative Development Standards (ADS), which include French drains, narrower and winding roads and Green infrastructure storm water management;
• Alternative subdivision design, such as cluster housing, pedestrian pathways and linkages, and Integration between social equity, environment, and economy;
• Protecting sensitive environmental areas;
• Reducing (eliminating) detrimental economic, environmental, and social effects of development; and
• Promoting multi-modal forms of transportation and Integrating open space into daily living.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Another strategy Ucluelet supports for sustainable development is the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED is leading the way setting and implementing sustainable development ethics and practices throughout North America and the world. The Canada Green Building Council, in accordance with the Canadian Model of Energy Code, has developed a Canadian version of the LEED rating system for Buildings under Natural Resources Canada.

The LEED system is designed on a consultative basis with parties interested in voluntarily incorporating “green” design principles in new or renovation projects. Incentives, as defined by LEED correspond to specific development attributes related to site development, water, efficiency, energy efficiency, material selection, and outdoor environmental quality.

For more information:
http://www.cagbc.org/leed/systems/index.htm

Alternative Design Standards (ADS)

Alternative design standards create the capacity for future developments and redevelopments within Ucluelet to work towards achieving smart growth and sustainability principles on the ground.  ADS replaces conventional standards used in infrastructure planning, land-use planning, road engineering, stormwater management and transportation planning procedures.  The benefits of ADS include:

• lower operational costs (i.e. french drains

• increased pedestrian & bicycle friendly neighbourhoods (i.e. multi-use paths)

• more liveable communities (i.e. mixed-use zoning creating live-work-play environments)

• less disturbance to ecological resources (i.e. compact communities, narrower road widths)

• reduce C02 emissions (i.e. less vehicular use, higher density, lower maintenance work)

• lower housing and development costs (i.e. lower fees, site preparation, higher density)